6 tips for a healthy & youthful summer glow
Summer can be a little rough on your skin. The heat, the sun, pollution, mosquito bites, humidity, air conditioning – they can all make it challenging to maintain radiant skin. That is why you need to take extra care of your skin this season. And we’ve got 6 tips to help you achieve a healthy glow – from taking care of your skin to eating a balanced diet. Let’s level up your skincare game this summer!
1. Protect your skin from the sun
Do not forget your sunscreen every time you leave the house! Even if it’s just to pick up your kids from school or to take a short trip to the grocery store. Excessive and repeated exposure to solar UV rays can damage your skin, cause hyperpigmentation, lead to premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
So, we find it best to invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF 30 or higher and apply it before going out. It’s super important not to skip out on your sunscreen if you have exfoliated because your skin will be vulnerable to sun damage and most likely irritated.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is just about applying sunscreen. Stick to the shade when you can. Going to the beach? Take an umbrella with you. Waiting for someone outside? Try and find some shade under a tree. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses protect the sensitive skin around your eyes as well. And don’t forget about hats for that extra shield against the sun rays.
2. Hydrate your skin from the inside out
Drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle in your bag wherever you go to maintain good hydration levels. You can also include fruits and vegetables with a high-water content such as watermelons to prevent dehydration. Try to avoid food and drinks that dry your skin out like alcohol, caffeine, salty foods, and refined carbs.
Adjust your shower temperature and duration! Hot, long showers are more drying to the skin than cooler and shorter ones. Colder showers help relieve itchiness and tighten your skin pores.
3. Exfoliate, but gently
Dead skin cells build up during summer, as do clogged pores. Exfoliation removes unwanted dead skin cells that gather on the uppermost layer of your skin and regenerates new ones. It allows your moisturizing products to penetrate deeper and leave your skin looking radiant. Just remember to not overdo it and to always be gentle when you exfoliate. Over exfoliating can leave the skin exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
4. Use a Vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten your skin and even out the tone. It protects your skin whilst boosting collagen development. Compared to thicker creams, serums are light in texture and are quickly absorbed by the skin. Vitamin C benefits for skin include helping to prevent and improve the appearance of UV-induced photodamage, reducing the look of skin discoloration and wrinkles and protecting against environmental aggressors.
Remember: Wash, scrub, tone, serum, and then moisturize – from the lightest to the densest liquid.
5. Add a boost of antioxidants to your diet
Antioxidants do wonders for your skin but applying them topically is not enough. Follow a diet that includes healthy fruits and vegetables. Foods like berries, leafy greens and nuts are all rich in antioxidants that will help protect your skin from environmental damage. You can add a handful of berries to your smoothie or snack on a handful of almonds.
6. Go easy on your makeup
Minimal (to no) makeup during this season can be better for your skin. Why? The air is hot and humid during summer and your skin needs room to breathe. Try adding a tinted moisturizer or tinted sunscreen with SPF to your skincare regimen instead.
Your skin and body need more TLC to maintain a healthy glow during summer. As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine to help protect and hydrate your skin. Step up your hydration, apply your sunscreen regularly, and nourish your body with healthy food.
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